Hi, I have recently discovered Buddhism and been reading a lot about it, applying as many precepts as I can to my daily life. I have already found that the Dharma is useful for helping one realize a sense of peace and serenity, and that it has posed questions which challenged the way I think.

I am anxious to learn as much as I can about Buddhism and the Dharma. I'm not sure if I am ready yet to call myself "a Buddhist" although I have not found any teachings in the Dharma I consider to be false or objectionable, but I am also not sure if I believe in the supernatural aspects of Buddhist theology such as reincarnation, Karma (as a continual build up over multiple incarnations) and such, I ascribe mainly to a naturalistic view of life, and while I have found Buddhist ethics to be excellent, I admit that I am a little unnerved by talk of gods, demons, hell, etc.

I would greatly appreciate any information you provide me on the teachings of Buddhism so that I can continue to learn more about it. Thanks.

See, this is the impression I got from reading the Buddha's teachings as well... People always say that Buddhists believe in reincarnation, but it seemed to me that the Buddha referred specifically not to the transmigration of a soul, but to the Karmic consequences of actions, thoughts... Which is much easier for me to believe since it seems to stem from the law of cause and effect.

Thanks, Yogurt. XD I just might take you up on that offer, I'm looking to join a community of Buddhist thinkers and practitioners so that I can glean from a variety of different perspectives, ideas, and interpretations.

The heart of the path is SO simple. No need for long explanations. Give up clinging to love and hate, just rest with things as they are. That is all I do in my own practice. Do not try to become anything. Do not make yourself into anything. Do not be a meditator. Do not become enlightened. When you sit, let it be. When you walk, let it be. Grasp at nothing. Resist nothing. Of course, there are dozens of meditation techniques to develop samadhi and many kinds of vipassana. But it all comes back to this - just let it all be. Step over here where it is cool, out of the battle. - Ajahn Chah

I like your signature, bodom! I had read that Theravada Buddhism emphasizes ritual and mantra over experiential wisdom and personal reflection, and I like to think of things as being more of a balance, that rituals and mantras can be helpful for guiding you to Right Thinking, but that words have no intrinsic meaning.

---The trouble is that you think you have time------Worry is the Interest, paid in advance, on a debt you may never owe------It's not what happens to you in life that is important ~ it's what you do with it ---

@radman62 think of when we go to another body it is like changing clothes inside we are still the same. And it is very logical as it is energy changing from one form to the next and energy cannot be destroyed . Well I do believe in future rebirths, that is so fundamental to our teachings. If there was no reincarnation I would just party like crazy in this life and indulge why? While it lasts I presume why not enjoy myself to the max?

@lonesome yogurt The first two lines of your signature is cool and refers to the 8 worldly concerns, did you come across any sutta that talks about the 8 verses of mind transformation Eight Verses of Thought Transformation

With the thought of attaining EnlightenmentFor the welfare of all beings,Who are more precious than a wish–fulfilling jewel,I will constantly practise holding them dear.

Whenever I am with others,I will practise seeing myself as the lowest of all,And from the very depths of my heartI will respectfully hold others as supreme.

In all actions I will examine my mindAnd the moment a disturbing attitude arises,Endangering myself or others,I will firmly confront and avert it.

Whenever I meet a person of bad nature,Overwhelmed by negative energy and intense suffering,I will hold such a rare one dearAs if I’ve found a precious treasure.

When others out of jealousy,Mistreat me with abuse, slander and so on,I will practise accepting defeatAnd offering the victory to them.

When someone I have benefited and in whomI have placed great trust hurts me very badly,I will practise seeing that personAs my supreme teacher.

In short, I will offer directly and indirectly Every benefit and happiness to all beings, my mothers.I will practise in secret taking upon myselfAll their harmful actions and sufferings.

Without these practices being defiled By the stains of the eight worldly concerns,By perceiving all phenomena as illusory,I will practise without grasping to release all beingsFrom the bondage of the disturbing unsubdued mind and karma.